Science Museum SMart Toy Awards finalists revealed

From the 84 entries received, the best have been whittled into four categories: SMart Build, SMart Explore, SMart Play and Kids’ Choice.

The awards are now in their third year and are designed to provide an informative guide for adults and children to help them choose the most fun, educational and intelligent toys on the market. Winners will be announced in late September.

Last year, Electro Mag, from John Adams, a retro science kit which gives kids a fun insight into the world of electronics and gadgets, won the overall award from a packed field of high quality toys.

Molly Jackson, CEO of Science Museum Trading Company, said: “The Science Museum, through its interactive exhibits, shows, store and licensed products is committed to encouraging children to learn through play. The Science Museum SMart Toy Awards, now in its third year, is a natural extension of this.

“We have over 2.7 million visitors a year and any product that wins a Science Museum Smart Toy Award is sure to be valued highly by visitors and parents from across the UK.”

The panel of judges will include the Science Museum’s head of learning, a variety of science experts, media personalities and children. From each of the category winners an overall SMart Toy of the Year will be chosen.

Products entered will be judged on their ability to inspire and encourage questioning, and link to social development in addition to offering quality and value for money.

Products do not have to relate directly to core disciplines of biology, physics, chemistry and maths, but can extend to a myriad of themes such as colour, shape, sound, and motion.

"This year's TOTY finalists represent the finest examples of play value, originality and innovation across the hundreds of companies that make the US toy industry the strongest in the world," said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Toy Industry Association.

The Copyrights Group is one of the licensing arms within The Vivendi Group. Acquired by Vivendi in 2016 Copyrights manages the licensing for a portfolio of properties to include Paddington Bear. Some of the other companies within the Vivendi Group include Universal Music Group, and their licensing arm Bravado, Gameloft and Studiocanal to name a few.